News Summary
The Lafayette County School District has announced it will stop scheduling athletic events against Oxford School District starting with the next academic year. This decision marks the end of a long-standing rivalry between Lafayette County High School and Oxford High School. The LCSD aims to better support its athletes and navigate through changes in school classifications. Community feedback influenced the decision, and both districts intend to maintain positive relations despite the rivalry’s conclusion.
Lafayette, Mississippi – The Lafayette County School District (LCSD) has announced that it will cease scheduling athletic events against the Oxford School District, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. This decision ends a long-standing athletic rivalry between Lafayette County High School and Oxford High School, which are located less than two miles apart.
The announcement was made public on Tuesday following consultations with former coaches, community members, and state agencies. The LCSD indicated that the new scheduling options aim to better support the development of their athletes. The administration believes that these changes are in the best interest of Lafayette athletes moving forward.
LCSD teams have consistently demonstrated strong performance, achieving numerous successes within their classification and region. According to the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), there are seven classifications for high schools, ranging from 1A – the smallest to 7A – the largest. Lafayette County currently competes as a 5A school, while Oxford is classified as a 7A school. Traditionally, schools from varying classifications have competed against each other, highlighting the competitive spirit in local athletics.
The decision arrived during the current classification cycle, which spans from 2025 to 2027. Schools are reclassified every few years based on fluctuations in student populations. This adjustment raised questions about the viability of continuing the historically rich rivalry.
The Crosstown Classic football series, a significant part of local sports culture, has been around since 1972. Oxford Superintendent Bradley Roberson expressed disappointment regarding the end of this time-honored tradition, stating that the Crosstown Classic has brought the communities together for decades, showcasing the efforts, pride, and sportsmanship of student-athletes from both schools.
Following the decision, Oxford’s administration was informed on the same evening as the announcement to the School Board Trustees on October 1, 2025. LCSD coaches received the news the following day. Sources suggest that the outcome of the most recent game, which saw Oxford dominate Lafayette with a score of 63-20, may have influenced the LCSD’s decision to discontinue the rivalry.
As the LCSD navigates through this change, the district remains committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure competitive success for its athletes in an evolving sports environment. Both Lafayette and Oxford School Districts have expressed their intent to foster positive relationships despite the rivalry’s end, recognizing the shared history and passion of their respective communities.
In the wake of this transition, Oxford will continue to seek competitive opportunities that align with the growth and development of their student-athletes. The commitment to enhancing sports programs remains a priority for both districts as they adapt to new challenges while promoting a spirit of sportsmanship and competition.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Mississippi Reveals 2026 Baseball Schedule
Oxford Chargers Football Team Starts Season Strong
Ole Miss Rebels Gear Up for Crucial College Football Season
Ken Cyree to Retire as Dean of Ole Miss Business School
Exploring the Legacy of Ole Miss Football
Ole Miss Achieves Comeback Victory Over Georgia
Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle
- WTVA
- DJournal
- DJournal
- Oxford Eagle
- Wikipedia: Lafayette County, Mississippi
- Google Search: Lafayette County High School
- Google Scholar: Mississippi High School Activities Association
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Google News: Lafayette Oxford rivalry
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
